Meet Muhanned

Hi, I’m Muhanned from Libya. I joined USW on a Chevening Scholarship. There are so many reasons why you would want to be part of USW. It is one of the biggest Universities both academically and campus wise in Wales and the UK, and the university had the program of my choice that would help me further progress in my career path & which I have not found elsewhere in the UK.

Wales without doubt has become one of my favorite spots in the UK because of its cozy feeling and how easily you can fit in which helped me feel at home. The people are very warm and friendly and Cardiff in particular is multi cultural because you see international families and students everywhere.

When I first arrived to Wales on my first day I’d had a long journey to get to Treforest campus (3 planes, a bus, a good amount of walking and a train). I arrived there soaking wet from the rain, no luggage (the airlines lost my suitcases), no emergency accommodation because all the hotels were fully booked and the rooms on campus were all reserved and taken. Of course not to mention I was dead tired, starving and the next day was my course induction! 

What to do!? I was already stressed out and starting to feel home sick. You might think this is a terrible start and a lousy memory to have as a USW highlight but this is because the International Officer at USW, Joanna Scaplehorn, came to my rescue! She helped me secure a temporary accommodation, get some new clothes and have a warm meal that day, and gave me support until I was able to get back on my feet and start on my own. This is an example of what the USW staff would do to ensure their students are supported and feel at home, because I truly do.